A leaky tap can be a real nuisance, leading to wasted water, increased bills, and a constant dripping sound that’s sure to get on anyone’s nerves. But the solution is often simpler than you’d think — all you need to do is replace the tap washer! At Plus Plumbing, we know how frustrating a leaky tap can be, so we’re here to walk you through the simple process of replacing a tap washer yourself. Let’s learn how to change the dripping tap washer and replace it with a new tap washer.
Understanding Tap Washers
Before we begin, it’s important to understand what a tap washer is. A washer is a small rubber or fibre disc that sits inside your tap, creating a watertight seal to prevent water from dripping when the tap is turned off. Over time, washers can wear down, leading to leaks. Thankfully, replacing a washer is a straightforward DIY task that you can do with a few common tools.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
For this task, you’ll need a few basic tools and materials, most of which you might already have:
- Adjustable Wrench
- Pliers or Multigrip Pliers
- Flat-Head Screwdriver
- Allen Key (if necessary)
- WD-40 (for loosening stuck parts)
- Tap Valve Repair Kit (which includes new washers and O-rings)
Always make sure you have all the necessary equipment before starting. If in doubt, you can consult a plumbing expert or contact Plus Plumbing.
Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply
First things first, you need to stop the water supply to avoid flooding. Locate the mains water tap, usually found in the water meter box, and turn it off. You may need pliers if the tap is difficult to turn. Once the water is off, turn on the tap that needs fixing to drain any remaining water from the system.
Step 2: Remove the Tap Handle
The way you remove the handle will depend on the type of tap you have:
- Lever or Pin Handle Taps
These taps generally have a hidden grub screw on the side that can be removed with an Allen key. If you don’t see the grub screw, try unscrewing the handle to check inside. - T-Handle Taps
These usually have a grub screw on the side, a hidden nut underneath, or a screwed hot/cold button on top. Use an Allen key, a vandal-proof spanner, or an adjustable wrench to remove the appropriate parts. - Standard Plastic Handle Taps
Remove the plastic cover cap with a flat-head screwdriver to reveal a brass locking nut. Use pliers or a socket wrench to unscrew and remove the nut.
Removing the handle might take a bit of maneuvering, but be patient and gentle to avoid damaging any parts.
Step 3: Remove the Spindle Cover
After you’ve removed the tap handle, you’ll notice a spindle cover — a domed plate that hides the base of the tap. This cover can be removed by turning it anti-clockwise. If the cover is stuck, applying a little WD-40 and waiting a few minutes should help. If it’s sealed with silicone, you might need a craft knife to cut away the seal before you can unscrew it.
Step 4: Remove the Spindle
The next step is to remove the spindle. Place an adjustable wrench on the spindle and turn it anti-clockwise. Once it’s loose, you should be able to remove it by hand. Beneath the spindle, you’ll find the tap valve — a small rubber or fibre disc that seals the tap to prevent leaks.
If the tap valve is stuck, use multigrip pliers to carefully pinch and lift it out.
Step 5: Replace the Tap Washer
Now for the main part: replacing the tap washer.
- Take out your tap valve repair kit.
- Hold the spindle’s brass body and turn it clockwise to separate the spindle.
- Swap the old fibre washer with the new one from your repair kit.
- If your repair kit includes O-rings, replace them as well. It’s a good idea to lubricate the new O-rings and spindle to ensure smooth functioning.
- Reinsert the spindle back into the brass body and position the new tap valve at the bottom.
This is the key to stopping that annoying leak!
Step 6: Reassemble the Tap
With your new washer in place, it’s time to reassemble the tap. Follow the previous steps in reverse order to put everything back together.
- Place the spindle back into the tap body and tighten it using an adjustable wrench.
- Reattach the spindle cover, followed by the tap handle.
- Ensure the tap is turned off before you restore the water supply.
Step 7: Test the Tap
Once you’ve reassembled the tap, turn the mains water supply back on. Test the tap by turning it on and off a few times to ensure there’s no more leaking. If done correctly, your tap should now be leak-free and as good as new!
If you experience any issues during reassembly or the leak persists, don’t hesitate to reach out to Plus Plumbing for professional advice and support.
Inside Plus Plumbing
At Plus Plumbing, we’ve tackled our fair share of leaking taps over the years. One job that stands out was at a property in Parramatta, where the client had been putting up with a constantly dripping tap for months. She tried a few DIY fixes but couldn’t get it sorted. We were able to quickly identify that the issue was not just a worn tap washer but also a slightly cracked brass seat within the recessed tap breach, which is a common problem. After isolating the water supply and removing the tap, we replaced the worn washer with a new one, shaved and polished the brass tap seats to brand new, and reassembled everything in no time. The client was thrilled with the result – no more annoying dripping sounds! We also took the time to check her other taps to ensure there wouldn’t be any surprises down the line. This is just part of the service we provide: not just fixing the problem at hand but looking out for anything else that could become an issue in the future.
Conclusion
Replacing a tap washer is a simple and cost-effective way to fix a leaking tap. By following these steps, you can save yourself time and money that would otherwise go to a professional plumber. However, remember that every tap is a little different, so if you’re unsure or run into problems, the experienced team at Plus Plumbing is here to help.
Keep in mind, as you perform the repair, to work carefully and gently with all the components to avoid causing any additional damage. With this knowledge in hand, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle a leaking tap on your own and get it working like new in no time!
